…America was not founded by Christianity.  I stumbled to a blog, at the same time, I just so happen to been thinking of me writing a similar blog.  When I found this one though, I found it to be better.  But before I get to it, I have to reiterate: ‘America is NOT a Christian nation.’

I have no problem with people believing in whatever faith (and for this country, that is largely a Christian faith), but I find it astonishing that over half that country last year thought American was founded as a Christian nation (poll conducted by firstamendmentcenter.org).  While looking at the site in question, I found a different link, What part of ‘secular nation’ do we not understand? In there, and amazing 50% polled wanted the Bible to be taught in schools as fact.  I find this appalling, mainly b/c American is a melting pot.  There are people of other faiths, people converting to other faiths, in this country.  Teaching that to students, would be offensive if there is, say a few practising Muslims in the classroom, or also Atheists in the classroom wouldn’t like that as well.  Not just that, 55% think the Constitution actually establishes the United States as Christian country.

If anyone paid any attention in History class, the sole point of the Constitution is FREEDOM!!!  The very first amendment included freedoms of speech, press, assembly, and, Religion.  Article VI (right from the National Archives online) is as follows (I highlighted the third paragraph only, you can read all of the Constitution at the National Archives):

Article. VI.

…

The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the Members of the several State Legislatures, and all executive and judicial Officers, both of the United States and of the several States, shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution; but no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States.

See what I underlined there?  “no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office of public Trust,” meaning, a person doesn’t have to have a faith, and if they do, it could be any faith, and it doesn’t play a part of theit ablility to hold office.  So, if you run of ANY political office (governer, senate, PRESIDENT), you don’t have to be a Christian.  Now, Article VI is not a well known part, but the First Ten Amendments are, (you know, at least I hope you know, the Bill of Rights).  Back to the Archives:

Amendment I

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

There you go, plain English, black and white.  You can’t question it, not one bit.  And let me end by pointing out, that yes, probably most of the Founding Fathers were Christians (but not all).  Thank you, and good night!

Oh, couple links, including that blog I mentioned earlier:

ACLU Blog (‘America Is Not a Christian Nation’

National Archives (Charters of Freedom section)

Religious Freedom (US Department of State)

First Freedom (Department of Justice)

BillOfRights.com and  HistoricalDocuments.com

Happy learning!